A DOTING uncle has raised £3,000 to help create special memories for his seven-year-old niece, who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour this year.

The family of Lexi Hopkin, from Wool, were given the devastating news that she had a DIPG brain tumour in January. Determined to make each day count, the family began organising fundraising events to help Lexi live life to the full.

Her uncle, Stace Hopkin, has just completed a cycle ride from Bedford to Wool, riding 168 miles in two days and raising £3,000 for his niece.

The 37-year-old British army sergeant was joined by five other men from his regiment based in Chicksands in Bedford.

He said: “When I found out about Lexi, I wanted to do something for her. So the guys and I planned the route and started training in February.

“The ride was hard work but it went really well. It was the teamwork that made it – it comes from being in the forces. It was around 13 hours of riding in total.”

The money will go towards funding a trip to Disneyland Paris for Lexi, her parents, Michael and Carly, and her sisters, Mea and Beau.

“We smashed our target, which is fantastic,” he said. “It meant a lot to Lexi’s parents. Once my brother knew we’d raised £3,000, he was really chuffed.

“I just wish we hadn’t done the ride because of Lexi. It was quite hard, especially at the end when she ran up to hug me. It was really touching.”

Stace said he was planning to do another bike ride for Lexi in July, this time starting from Portland.

Michelle Pyne, Lexi’s auntie, said: “Good on Stace for doing the bike ride. There’s been so many fundraising events going on, Lexi’s overwhelmed."

She added: “We’re just living each day as it comes and creating as many memories as we can for her.”

To make a donation to Lexi’s fund, visit youcaring.com and search Lexi Hopkin.